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3869 Des Sources blvd, Suite 204, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Qc H9B 2A2

Tél: 514-676-1588

email: grpspbo@videotron.ca

The West Island Multiple Sclerosis Self Help -Group December 2016

HORIZON

So this is Christmas what have we done.

Another year over and the new one just begun.

A merry merry Christmas and a happy new year.

Let's hope it's a good one with plenty of cheer.

Let's hope next year is the year when John Lennon's words reach fruition.

We did lose a few heavyweights this year. We saw the passing of such greats like

Mohammed Ali, Prince, David Bowie and our own great Montrealer Leonard Cohen, to

name but a few.

Our group remains relevant, which implies the cure for MS has not yet materialized so

we have to be grateful to all those incredible dedicated volunteers who continue to give

of their time and help to make our group the success it is.

Isn't it nice to be Canadian? It took the lifeless body of a three-year-old (Aylan Kurdi)

and we stepped up to the plate for Syrian refugees. Not only did we welcome them with

open arms. We have provided them with all the necessities of life, including the tools to

withstand a Canadian winter. Surely a new experience for most of them.

There have been advances in disease modifying drugs to control MS and even some in

pill form, but not all have lived up to their hype. Biogen Inc. were, in 2015, touting a new

drug, Anti-Lingo-1 (obcinumab) as a treatment for MS that would not only slow down the

progression of MS also reverse some of the damage done to the myelin sheath, which,

presumably, is the cause of deterioration in motor functions in those affected by MS.

Aaaaa

gg

Biogen Inc. were, in 2015, touting a new drug, Anti-Lingo-1 (obcinumab) as a treatment for

MS that would not only slow down the progression of MS but also reverse some of the

damage done to the myelin sheath, which, presumably, is the cause of deterioration in motor

functions In those affected by MS. Unfortunately, in June of this year Biogen released

their studies, which proved to be unsatisfactory. The studies did not confirm an

improvement in patients who received the drug. They went on to say that although

the initial report on the drug’s effectiveness was unsatisfactory they had not yet given up

completely on the drug and that further tests would be carried out. Let's continue to be

optimistic. Remember the words of Leonard Cohen. "There's a crack in everything.

That's how the light gets in".Don't forget, this can be, for some people, the loneliest time

of the year. Knock on a door, pick up the phone, send a card, and tell someone you

are thinking about them during this

Holiday.

This year the Espoir Famille conference took place from October 28th to the 30th in Lévis. There were several choices of workshops covering a range of topics: cognitive issues, adapted tourism, family relationships, mobility issues, mental health, etc. On Sunday, Dr. Pierre Duquette and Dr. Catherine Larochelle shared with us information on emerging treatments and ongoing research. We had a lot of fun meeting people and families from all across Quebec. There was a party on Saturday night which highlighted the conference’s 25th year in the making. Everyone was wearing a funny hat to celebrate. This conference is open to all, we hope to see you at it next year.

ESPOIR FAMILLE CONFERENCE

Tom

What a great time we all had celebrating Halloween on October 31st at Karnak! Not only was everyone wearing a funny or scary hat, but the ambiance was electrifying! We had the pleasure of feasting on a lovely lunch prepared by La Porte Grecque. Everyone was served a nice plate of chicken brochette, salad, rice and potatoes. Dessert soon followed and proved to be a big hit! Chocolate cake was on the menu and it was simply delicious!

Halloween

On October 24th 2016, we had the pleasure of having a 4 course lunch at Madeleine's Verrières du Golf residence. 36 of our members and volunteers had the pleasure of exchanging some great laughs and some meaningful conversations all while enjoying a tasty lunch and some good wine. Thank you very much Madeleine for a wonderful afternoon!

Lunch at Madeleine’s

SUMMER CAMP This past summer I spent close to a week at Camp Étincelle.

I was really looking forward to going and I must say it exceeded my expectations. Starting with a bus trip and a bonus stop at an ice cream shop, the ride up was

great. Also, the bus was able to accommodate my various walking, rocking and rolling equipment. (My niece compared me to Malibu Barbie because I come

with accessories). With the great help of all the dedicated volunteers, we were treated like royalty. Activities, games, live music, delicious meals, snacks, camp fire (with

marshmallows no less) and most important the friendships and the common bond we

all share. I had a blast and look forward to next year.

GINGER PETTY BBQ

The weather was absolutely perfect! Some of our members even got the opportunity

to enjoy a helicopter ride around Île-Bizard. The food was also a BIG hit. BBQ hot

dogs and hamburgers were on the menu followed by some cool and refreshing ice

cream. We also got the chance to hear Colleen Bartley sing some opera music. What

a beautiful voice she has! Thank you very much Ginger Petty for being such a great

host and for continuously helping our cause.

Rhonda Indig

On August 3rd 2016, we

had the privilege of

being invited once again

to Ginger Petty's annual

BBQ. Our group accounted for 22 guests.

It is with great pleasure that we wish to honor Nicolas Brodbeck as our volunteer of the year! Nicolas has been working within our group since 2007. He is always in a good mood and if we are looking for him, all we need to do is follow is beautiful voice. On a weekly basis, he welcomes and assists our members with enthusiasm. Thank you very much Nicolas for your dedication and your involvement.

BBQ The annual BBQ was held on July 10th 2016.

There was a huge turnout! We were 95 in all. Not only was the sun shining, but the food and the

atmosphere were electrifying. Everyone was in a great mood and enjoyed feasting on a juicy piece of steak accompanied by several different salads and some potatoes. Dessert soon followed, and

was equally appreciated by all the guests. We are already looking forward to next year’s BBQ!

The A & W day to end MS took place on August 25th and was a great success. In total, $175, 000 was raised in Quebec and $ 1, 750,000 was raised from coast to coast. Thank you to everyone who bought a Teen Burger on this special day.

A & W

CORN ROAST

On September 12th, we had the pleasure of having our annual corn roast at Karnak. We could not have asked for a better day. The weather was fantastic and there was lots of corn to go around. What a fabulous time we all had!

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

The run is dedicated to Alex Simoes, a Grenadier that rose up the ranks to Master Corporal then commissioned as an officer. Alex and his wife Danielle are dedicated Monday-groupers!

On September 29 th we had the pleasure of visting the Château Taillerfer Lafon vineyard in Ste-Dorothée Laval. The wine tasting consisted of both white and red. According to most, the white seemed to be more popular. We were presented with a nice spread of different cheeses, olives and cold cuts. The weather was also on our side. After eating and drinking as well as learning about the history of the vineyard, we headed outside to visit the grounds. They were stunning! It truly was a gorgeous day enjoyed by all.

VINEYARD CHÂTEAU TAILLFER LAFON

Susan

Congratulations What great news! We learnt that Ines

Paquin was named volunteer of the year

for the entire Laurentian region. She

was presented with the award on October

2 in Mont-Laurier. Ines has been a

volunteer with us for several years. She

replaced Madeleine as coordinator for

several months until she moved to

Lachute. Ines comes to help us during our

special activities, such as the Christmas party, BBQ, etc.

Thank you Many thanks to Pharmaprix, place

de la triade in Pointe- Claire for

their generous support to our

cause. Check out their

aimez.vous campaign, putting

women first.

www.pharmaprixaimezvous.ca

Oktoberfest A very special thank you goes out to Lynn Kozinski’s family for helping out with Oktoberfest. A total of $ 2000 was raised for our group on October 14th 2016. We would also like to thank Annie Lacasse for volunteering and Robin Little for organizing such a special event.

A big shout out to our third party fundraisers Kirkland

Ladies Slo-Pitch and Kiwanis club for their continuous

encouragement.

THANK YOU

Madeleine

THANK YOU

A very special

thank you to Lisa Marie Gingera

for her generous contribution to the

West Island MS self-help group.

The 35th Annual General Meeting

The 35th Annual General Meeting for the

West Island MS Self-Help Group will be

held Monday March 13th 2017, at the

Karnak Centre, 3350 boul. Des Sources,

Dollard-des-Ormeaux, at 11:30 a.m.

Everyone is welcome.

Aquafitness The aquafit sessions, tailored to our needs, will resume January 12, 2017 at the DDO Aquatic Centre, 12001 De Salaberry. When: Thursdays from 10:30- 11:15.

Caregiver meetings Caregivers meet amongst

themselves every 8 to 10 weeks.

Please register! Nicole or Christina at

514-676-1588.

December 4 Christmas Party ( 4-8 pm)

December 5 No Monday meeting

December 8 Aquafit

December 12 No Monday Meeting

December 15 Aquafit ( last one)

December 19 Monday meeting

December 25 Merry Christmas

December 26 No Monday meeting

January 1 Happy New Year

January 2 No Monday Meeting

January 9 Monday Meeting

January 12 Aquafit (starts)

January 16 Potluck ( Karnak)

January 19 Aquafit

January 23 Monday Meeting

January 26 Aquafit

January 30 Monday Meeting

February 2 Aquafit

February 6 Monday Meeting

February 9 Aquafit

February 12 Wine & Cheese ( Karnak)

February 13 No Monday Metting

February 16 Aquafit

February 20 Monday Meeting

February 23 Aquafit

February 27 Monday Meeting

March 2 Aquafit

March 6 Monday Meeting

March 9 Aquafit

March 13 Annual General Meeting

NEW MEMBERS We would like to welcome new

members and volunteers that have joined our group in 2016. Welcome Rhonda, Frank, Anne-Marie, Benoit, André L., Pauline, Winnie, Murray,

Magda, André M. and Rosie.

Many thanks,

Michèle Paré, Tom Ramsey Nicole Duchastel,

Vaughn Bolduc, Susan Samaan, Christina Karavolas, Madeleine

Couillard and Rhonda Indig

CONDOLENCES Luce Cyr, sister of member Nicole

Bernard and previous member of our group herself, passed away on

Monday November 28th, 2016. Our sincerest condolences to the

Bernard-Cyr family.

Christmas Holiday The office will be closed from December 23nd until January 9th 2017.